The warnings went out during last week's heat wave: Don't leave children and pets unattended in locked cars because the temperature inside can quickly skyrocket and lead to heat exhaustion, even death.

That's why people were so upset on May 14 when they noticed a dog locked in a car parked on Fisher Avenue. It was shortly before 4 p.m., and the temperature outside was in the mid-90s. The car's windows and sun roof were shut tight.

Since the car was parked in front of Fisher Middle School, a passerby went there first, and two announcements were broadcast over the school's public address system.

After about 20 minutes the dog's owner showed up, unaware he had done anything wrong.

Minutes later, a park ranger and police cruiser showed up.

"Upon my arrival, the dog owner had already arrived and activated the air conditioning in the car, cooling the animal," Cpl. Kalipo Kauweloa said in an email. "There was also a concerned group of citizens standing by that included a veterinarian, who described the animal's welfare as she witnessed it--heavy panting and deep breathing, early signs of distress."

However, the veterinarian advised Kauweloa that the animal did not need medical care. "Based upon the veterinarian's statements, citizen statements, suspect statements, my past experience with animal control and as a dog owner--and the crime not occurring in my presence--I felt the best course of immediate action was to record the incident on a 'field investigation' card," Kauweloa said. "The information is put into a police database and lets other police agencies in the area know that I contacted the man and admonished him with regards to the animal care law."

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The dog owner was not issued a citation, but he could have been penalized for his actions. California penal code 597.7 prohibits people from "leaving an animal in an unattended vehicle under conditions that endanger the health or well-being of an animal due to heat, cold or lack of ventilation or other circumstances that could reasonably be expected to cause suffering or death to the animal."

First-time violators can be fined $100. However, if an animal suffers great bodily injury the fine could be $500, plus up to six months in jail.

"I hope the dog owner takes to heart the conversation we had and saw the genuine concern in the citizens' eyes," Kauweloa said. "This incident ... will hopefully publicize the dangers of leaving animals, children and the elderly in vehicles during hot days."

A test conducted by the University of San Francisco showed that in 10 minutes a closed-up car reached 99 degrees when the outside temperature was 80 degrees. In 20 minutes, the inside of the car had reached 109 degrees.

Humane Society Silicon Valley weighed in on the issue with a statement that said, "We know animals love to take car rides and spend time with their owners, but there are just some days, particularly with extreme weather, when your pet should stay home."

While it's not always feasible to leave children and the elderly at home, it's equally as dangerous to leave them locked in cars. Last year, 43 children died from heat stroke because they were locked in cars.